The trial of former Education Minister Dr. Mahendra Reddy will continue in the Suva Magistrates Court today.
It is alleged that Doctor Mahendra Reddy, on or about 8th May this year, in Rakiraki, in order to influence the vote of Waisea Lelobo, the Manager of Ra High School, directly conferred or offered to confer a benefit namely a steady water source for Ra High School.
It is also alleged that Doctor Reddy on or about 8th May this year, in Rakiraki, interfered with the free exercise or performance of a political right of Waisea Lelobo that is relevant to the 2018 election.
Doctor Reddy has pleaded not guilty to one count of bribery and one count of undue influence before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili.
Meanwhile, the first FICAC witness in the trial, Waisea Lelobo told the Suva Magistrates Court that none of his political rights have been interfered with.
Lelobo also said that he is free to support anyone.
He said this while being cross examined by Dr Reddy's lawyer Devanesh Sharma.
When asked by Sharma, Lelobo stated he will vote for government if the government supplies water to them.
Lelobo also told the court that Dr. Reddy was the saviour for them on that day as the only solution to their problem is water.
Sharma then asked Lelobo on what words he remembers from Dr. Reddy's conversation.
Lelobo told the court that Reddy had said for them to not to go to the media and if they go in next year, then they will get it.
He said Dr. Reddy also showed a thumbs up to them.
Lelobo was then asked whether Dr. Reddy was laughing when he showed the thumbs up.
Lelobo agreed that Dr. Reddy was laughing.
Lelobo was then asked by Sharma whether Dr. Reddy had specifically said to vote for him.
Lelobo said that Dr. Reddy had said if the government gets in.
Sharma asked Lelobo whether he knew his political rights and whether anyone has stopped him from voting.
He said he knows his rights and nobody has stopped him from voting.
Lelobo also said that nothing has been done to interfere with his rights to vote secretly.
Sharma asked Lelobo whether any undue influence has been put on him.
He said yes and it was on that day because of water.
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